Truck catches fire on M5 tunnel causing traffic to grind to a halt

Heavy traffic is banking up on the M5 tunnel after firefighters worked to extinguish a fire on a truck earlier in the morning.

Traffic has been thrown into chaos on a major Sydney highway after a truck caught fire in the early hours of the morning.

The truck’s tray caught fire in the M5 tunnel at the Bexley exit, in Sydney’s south, causing major traffic delays.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, including crews from Fire and Rescue NSW and Transport for NSW.

In-built sprinkler systems in the tunnel contained the fire before firefighters extinguished it upon arrival.

Traffic is heavy at M5 motorway. Picture: Today Show

All eastbound lanes are now open again in the M5 East tunnel but the westbound lanes remain closed while crews clean up an oil spill.

The closures have caused heavy traffic to build up.

Motorists are being advised to leave extra travel time or use diversions.

Eastbound lanes were closed for a short time while the Fire Service packs up and departs.

Westbound motorists should exit at Marsh Street and use West Botany St, Forest Rd, Stoney Creek Rd and King Georges Rd (follow D5 signage).

More to come

Originally published as Truck catches fire on M5 tunnel causing traffic to grind to a halt